The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

The moment Creighton laid eyes on Seth, fury bubbled up within him. It was clear as day that Danielle was up to something.

Besides whether she knew if Cicely would bring classmates home today, causing any misunderstanding with Seth, just the fact that she asked Seth to tutor her had always been a sore point for Cicely.

Cicely had been biting her tongue for days now, not speaking a word of it, but her silence didn’t mean it didn’t bother her. Tutoring was one thing, but at least they used to di it out of sight, so Cicely didn’t have to fret over it. But now, Danielle had to go and bring Seth straight into the lion’s den. If that wasn’t rubbing salt in the wound, Creighton didn’t know what was.

“Hey Uncle Creighton,” Danielle greeted him as if nothing was amiss.

Even though Creighton was seething inside, he managed a gruff, “Hey,” without letting his face betray too much of his displeasure.

“Mr. Creighton,” Seth greeted him in turn, his voice flat and expressionless, clearly just going through the motions.d2

Creighton nodded, “Why don’t you stay for dinner? I’ll tell the kitchen to whip up something extra.”

Surprisingly, Seth nodded in agreement.

Danielle didn’t know whether to be pleased or distressed. If she hadn’t told him about Cicely getting late-night tutoring from Joel, or mentioned the possibility of Cicely bringing Joel home for study sessions, would he have agreed to come back with her today?

“Seth, come on up to my room,” Danielle said, pulling herself back to the present.

There was a brief silence before Seth replied indifferently, “Go through what you’re confident with first. I’ll be in the living room if you need me.”

Danielle opened her mouth to say something else, but Seth had already settled onto the couch.

At Creighton’s age, he enjoyed a good cup of tea and the occasional chess game. The living room’s coffee table boasted a fancy tea set, and Seth’s gaze lingered there for a moment.

Creighton felt a twinge of satisfaction at Seth’s cautious move and caught Seth’s eye as he pushed the freshly brewed tea that the maid had brought over. Creighton began to heat the water himself, and the maid, sensing his intent to indulge in his tea ritual, discreetly left the room.

Danielle, sensing the shift in the air, knew that nothing she said would change the situation. With a bitten lip, she headed upstairs.

It was the first time Seth sat with Creighton like this, his eyes quietly following Creighton’s movements, his face betraying no emotion. It wasn’t until Creighton set a cup of tea in front of him that he murmured a thank you.

Creighton gave a small smile. “University life should be pretty relaxed, but I haven’t heard about you getting involved with the Diaz family business. Patty has been hoping you’d take an interest.”

Creighton was well aware of Seth’s level of involvement, or lack thereof, in the company.

Seth nodded, “Not at the moment.”

invaluable, no matter how much theory you learn. You should start getting involved. Drop by the office

sip from the tea cup and

ahead. Creighton normally didn’t meddle in the kids’ affairs, but when it came

We might’ve spoiled her a bit too much. She’s innocent, and I’ve always made sure to shield her from the messier circles, so she’s quite straightforward. Doesn’t have a scheming bone in her body, but that can be worrying. She’s my only child, and when Danielle came back, I was

something else to say, Mr.

sure, that Cicely is quite fond of you. I hope you’ll look out for her. And if things work out between you two,

smile, “I trust her character, but not so much her business

“She’s young, and life is long and uncertain. She might like

perhaps you underestimate the impact of a girl’s first love. It’s irreplaceable, even if someone better comes along. Do you really think there’ll be another man who could pose a threat to you? I’ve never seen you as a man lacking

for a split second, then

Creighton

of tea Creighton offered and glanced at his watch. Half an hour had passed. Seth’s

or the day before, you might not have run

darkened,

“Yes, suddenly got studious. She’s upstairs with a classmate

marvel at the kid’s temperament, which was as cool and deep as an Autumn lake.

mug, his voice, deep and smooth, broke the silence, “I heard you had a bit

a shrewdness in his manner, a sense of being seen through. It was

replied, “At our age, most of us

moment, a meaningful smile playing on

Seth didn’t reply again.

leaving and Seth not moving aside,

clear enough. It was just that Cicely always

going

Danielle nodded.

one bold

after tomorrow. I think I’ll do well this time, thanks to

“Mhm.”

upstairs and organize my homework.” She didn’t expect a response from Seth and turned to ascend

housekeeper came to inform Creighton that dinner

Cicely and Joel, see how their studies are coming along. They can come down for dinner

“Understood.”

on the study door. “Miss, dinner is prepared, and your

had explained it several times, but she was